Robstown Police Chief Mike Tamez said the center is a much-needed outlet, especially as officers continue to deal with a high number of incidents involving minors.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A long-closed community space in Robstown has reopened with a new mission, providing support, programming and positive outlets for local youth in an effort to help reduce teen violence.
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The building, which previously housed the Boys & Girls Club, has been renovated and reopened by Robstown Young Futures. City and county officials say the space fills a gap that has existed for years.
The project has been led by pediatrician Dr. Edward Borchard, who said the center has taken about six years, and a village, to bring to life. During a tour 3NEWS got of the renovated facility, he shared the intention and vision behind each room.
In Robstown on Wednesday, city and county leaders joined community members to celebrate the reopening and what it represents for future generations. For Dr. Borchard, seeing the center operational marks a personal milestone.
Taking his experience caring for young people, Dr. Borchard said he hopes the space will prepare kids and teens for opportunities ahead.
“The analogy that I would use is giving them a backpack to get him ready for their future, and you’re going to send them out the door to college or work or whatever,” Borchard said. “What are you going to put in that backpack to get them ready for life?”
Robstown Police Chief Mike Tamez said the center is a much-needed outlet, especially as officers continue to deal with a high number of incidents involving minors.
“The majority of our crime that occurs around the city, juveniles, right? The majority of people we deal with after hours, juveniles… The city needs an outlet,” Tamez said. “It needs a place that these kids can go and spend time rather than just being on the streets, but with other like-minded children.”
Nueces County Commissioner John Marez played a key role in securing county funding for the project.
“Very thankful, we were able to help plant the seed and they’re going to move forward with this,” Marez said.
Commissioner Marez noted that Robstown has been without youth programs like this for nearly a decade.
“It’s important that we step up. Nueces County stepped up, City of Robstown, and then the Young Futures Club of Robstown. So, we needed this,” Marez said.
Along with youth programming, the new center will provide resources for parents and serve as a county emergency site when needed. Leaders say the goal is to create a space that brings the Robstown community together.
Donation details are available on Robstown Young Futures’ website for those who want to support the center’s mission.